DAILY TEXT, From today Monday July 31, 2023, Comfort the depressed, support the weak and be patient with everyone (1 Thes. 5:14).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Monday July 31

Comfort the depressed, support the weak, and be patient with everyone (1 Thess. 5:14).

The elderly cannot eliminate all the problems we face. But Jehovah wants them to do all they can to encourage and care for his sheep. Considering that they are so busy, where can they find the time to help the brothers? Paul's example is very helpful. He was always looking for a way to praise the brothers and strengthen them. The elders do well to imitate his example of love and affection when treating the brothers (1 Thes. 2: 7). Paul confirmed to his brothers that both he and Jehovah loved them (2 Cor. 2:4; Eph. 2:4, 5). He treated them like friends and spent time with them. He showed them that he trusted them by speaking candidly about his own fears and weaknesses (2 Cor. 7:5; 1 Tim. 1:15). However, he did not focus on the problems he had, but on helping the brothers. w22.03 28 paras. 9, 10.

Why was Paul advising his fellow Christians?

Sometimes Paul had to advise his fellow Christians. But he didn't do it to vent his displeasure, but because he cared about them and wanted to help them stay out of trouble. He made an effort to make his advice easy to understand and he was interested to see how it was received. For example, when he wrote to the Corinthians, he gave them strong advice. But later he sent Titus to them, for he was wanting to know how they had received his letter. And how glad he was to learn that they had accepted his advice! (2 Cor. 7:6, 7).

What can the elders do to strengthen their brothers?

lessons. Elders can follow Paul's example by spending time with his brothers. One way to do this is to come to meetings early to have encouraging conversations with them. Often it takes only a few minutes to give a brother the encouragement and affection he needs (Rom. 1:12; Eph. 5:16). Elders who follow Paul's example use the Bible to encourage their brothers and confirm that Jehovah loves them. In addition, they show their affection by keeping in touch with them and looking for opportunities to congratulate them. If an elder has to give advice to someone, he must base it on the Word of God. He is specific but at the same time kind because he is interested in the effect that his words have (Gal. 6: 1).

What effect can his own weaknesses have on an elder?

Why is it difficult? The elders are imperfect, so they make mistakes like everyone else (Rom. 3:23). Sometimes they have to make a great effort to see their weaknesses with balance. Some may get discouraged because they focus too much on their limitations. Others may downplay their shortcomings and think they don't have to make any changes.

According to Philippians 4:13, how did humility help Paul face his weaknesses?

Paul's example. He humbly admitted that he couldn't deal with his weaknesses on his own. He knew that he needed the strength of God. In the past he had been determined to harshly persecute Christians. But he in time recognized what he had done and was willing to change his attitude and his personality (1 Tim. 1:12-16). With Jehovah's help, he became a loving, compassionate, and humble shepherd. It hurt him to realize his imperfections, but he decided to trust in Jehovah's forgiveness and no longer think about his mistakes (Rom. 7: 21-25). He knew he could not be perfect, so he strove to improve his Christian personality and humbly leaned on Jehovah to carry out his ministry (1 Cor. 9:27; read Philippians 4:13 ).

How can an old man see with balance his weaknesses?

lessons. Elders are not appointed because they are perfect, but Jehovah does expect them to admit their mistakes and cultivate Christian personality.—Eph. 4:23, 24. They should do a self-examination with the help of the Word of God and make the necessary changes. Then Jehovah will help them to be happy and to do their work well (James 1:25).

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